We’ve spent all summer outside ignoring the inside of our homes — except to change clothes — to get out to the lake/river/mountain for that last bit of summer adventure. With the change in weather, though, our gazes turn to our neglected homes.

What kind of projects are in the air?

For your living room

Look around with a critical eye toward the holidays. Do you have enough seating? How is your seating looking? If it’s tired, maybe a call to your upholstery cleaner is what it needs. If it’s beyond that point, it may be time to look for a new sofa or chairs. Plan ahead as most custom upholstery pieces take between eight to twelve weeks to arrive.

For your dining room

Has your table been neglected all summer because you have been eating on the patio? Maybe it’s time to pull out a tablecloth to dress it up a bit. Add some accessories as a centerpiece with a couple of candles, and you’re ready for autumn and an intimate dinner party!

For your kitchen

With an objective eye, look at your countertops. Are they cluttered with bowls of fruit and last week’s mail? Pull everything off and see what absolutely needs to go back. Then, put one piece back at a time. That way you have a more curated and less cluttered feel (at least for awhile).

For your bedroom

It’s time to put that pile of clothes away that’s accumulated on the bedroom chair! Maybe your bedding needs an update with a new throw or even a new duvet cover. Update the pillows to feel fresh and new. Move a picture or two to change it up. Replace the bedside lamps with a new style to add task or soft lighting, depending on your needs. Paint an accent wall for some spark and interest. Consider a bench at the end of your bed. They’re a handy place to stash the extra blanket you will need as the nights cool or a great place to sit to pull on your slippers.

With a little effort, you can easily freshen up your home and get it ready for the winter months ahead. If you feel you could use an extra boost of advice, ideas and resources, call an interior designer to help.